Before Your Appointment Begins

A Reiki session usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, with the hands-on treatment itself taking around 45 to 60 minutes. When you book, ask whether the practitioner offers a short phone or email consultation beforehand, as this can settle a lot of nerves before you even arrive. Most people wear ordinary, comfortable clothing and are treated fully clothed, so there is no need to bring anything special. Loose-fitting layers are ideal, as you may feel warm or cool as the session progresses.

It helps to arrive a few minutes early rather than rushing in straight from a busy day. If you can, leave a buffer of time afterwards too. Many people feel pleasantly spaced-out for an hour or so after treatment and prefer not to drive straight into a supermarket or a difficult conversation.

The Initial Consultation

Every reputable practitioner will begin with a conversation. This is sometimes called an intake or consultation, and it usually takes ten to fifteen minutes. You will be asked why you have come, what you are hoping for, and whether you have any health conditions, injuries, or recent operations the practitioner should know about. Reiki is a gentle complementary therapy and works alongside medical care rather than replacing it, so be honest about any treatment you are receiving.

You may also be asked about your sleep, stress levels, and general energy. Some practitioners will explain their own approach at this point, including whether they work with hands resting lightly on the body or hovering a few centimetres above it. If you have a preference, say so. Touch is never compulsory, and a good practitioner will adapt without making you feel awkward. This is also the moment to mention anything practical, such as a dislike of strong scents or a need for extra cushions.

Settling Onto the Couch

You will normally lie on a treatment couch, though Reiki can be given seated in a chair if lying down is uncomfortable. Shoes are removed, glasses and belts may be loosened, and a blanket is offered. Many practitioners play quiet music, dim the lights, or use a diffuser, but none of this is essential. Ask for silence if you would prefer it.

The practitioner will then begin working through a sequence of hand positions. A typical session moves from the head and face, down to the shoulders, then the torso, stomach, hips, knees, and feet. Hands may rest on the crown of your head, your shoulders, or your tummy, and often stay in one place for three to five minutes. You may notice the practitioner pausing, breathing slowly, or moving quietly around the couch. There is nothing you need to do except rest.

What You Might Feel

Sensations vary enormously, and it is worth knowing that feeling very little is completely normal. Some people report warmth, tingling, gentle pulsing, or a heavy, sinking relaxation. Others notice coolness, fluttering in the stomach, or a sudden urge to sigh. Emotional release is also common. You might find tears arriving for no obvious reason, or a wave of sadness or relief passing through. This is not a sign that something has gone wrong.

• Warmth or coolness in the areas being treated
• Tingling, buzzing, or a light pressure under the practitioner's hands
• Deep drowsiness, sometimes drifting into sleep
• Twitching or jerking as muscles let go of tension
• Emotional surges, including tears or unexpected laughter
• Nothing much at all, which is equally valid

If anything feels uncomfortable, say so. You can ask the practitioner to move on, lighten their touch, or stop entirely at any point.

The Closing Moments

Towards the end, the practitioner will usually finish at the feet or return to the head, then step back and let you rest for a minute or two before speaking. They may gently tell you the session is complete and give you time to come round. Many people feel heavy and reluctant to move, so do not rush.

You will often be offered a glass of water and a few minutes to sit up slowly. This is a good time to share what you noticed, though there is no pressure to report anything profound. Some practitioners offer brief feedback about areas that felt warm or unsettled to them, and may suggest a follow-up session in two to four weeks. Take their card, but do not feel obliged to book on the spot.

For the rest of the day, treat yourself gently. Drink water, eat something nourishing, and avoid heavy alcohol or intense exercise if you can. Keep a note of how you sleep over the next couple of nights, as many people find the effects of a first session show up most clearly in rest and mood. Above all, remember that Reiki is a quiet, supportive practice. There is no right way to experience it, and whatever you felt, or did not feel, is a perfectly good starting point.